Osseous Surgery

Osseous Surgery is done to help retain the tooth and create an environment that is easier for you to clean. The surgical procedure is used to smooth and reshape the affected bone and create a shallow pocket that makes it more difficult for the more aggressive bacteria to survive.

What Is Osseous Surgery?

If you have gum pockets that haven’t responded to other treatments then we may recommend osseous surgery.

Smooth and reshape the bone affected by gum diseaseThis is necessary in order to create an environment that will be easier to keep clean, reducing the risk of infection and further destruction of the tissues surrounding your teeth. This surgical procedure is used to smooth and reshape the bone affected by gum disease, creating a shallower pocket that is harder for bacteria to colonize.

During surgery we will thoroughly clean the exposed root surfaces, smoothing them so it is harder for bacteria to grow and multiply. This procedure also makes it easier for the body to begin fighting the infection and repairing damaged tissues.

When Might I Need Osseous Surgery?

When you visit our dental clinic, we will identify the teeth that require treatment. This is generally done by gently probing the area in between the gum and the tooth and measuring the depth to which the probe can be inserted.

Osseous surgery if scaling and root planing have failedIn addition, the gum tissue may also look red and inflamed and is more likely to bleed quite easily during brushing or even when very gently probed. We will suggest osseous surgery if other treatments such as scaling and root planing have failed to reduce the depth of your gum pockets and where the pockets are beginning to worsen or deepen.

Osseous Surgery Procedure

Small gum tissue incision under local anesthesiaOsseous surgery can normally be carried out under local anaesthetic and involves making a small incision into the gum tissue. This creates a flap which can be lifted away from the tooth and underlying bone allowing our periodontist to see the extent of the infection.

Clean the root surfaceThe next step is to thoroughly clean the root surface. Once all the infection has been removed, the exposed bone is smoothed as it will have been roughened by the infection. A smooth surface aids healing and makes it much easier for the gum tissue to re-attach itself.

Remove unhealthy tissueOnce the area has been cleaned and smoothed, the gum tissue is trimmed so all the unhealthy tissue is removed, and this will create a nicer effect once the area heals. Finally, the flap of gum tissue is stitched back in place.

Healing after the surgeryAfterwards you may need to use some pain medication and we will need to check the surgery site a few weeks afterwards to ensure it is healing as expected. Once healing is completed the periodontal pockets should be far shallower and easier to keep clean and the gums will begin to fit more snugly around the teeth.

This type of surgery can be used in conjunction with other treatments that help to repair and regenerate bone and tissue. These treatments may include bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration which uses a special membrane to help stimulate the growth of new tissue.

For more information about Gum or Bone Graft procedure talk to our top periodontists, best specialists Dr. Daniel Royzman and Dr. Daria Royzman or contact our Manhattan, NYC center: